Button Snap

Button Snap is a rather modest Civil War earthwork just outside Stevenage, and honestly, it's the sort of place you'll either find genuinely interesting or walk past without noticing. The site itself is what remains of a 17th-century fortification - basically lumps and bumps in a field that archaeologists tell us once mattered quite a lot during the English Civil War. You won't find much in the way of signage or facilities, which means it's best treated as a detour during a countryside walk rather than a destination in itself.

History buffs will get the most from it, especially those already interested in Civil War sites across Hertfordshire. If you're staying at Church Farm Ardeley nearby, it's worth a brief visit while you're out exploring the area - probably twenty minutes maximum. The earthworks are open and free to access, which is decent enough.

The real appeal here is the sense of place rather than dramatic remains. Standing on the site, you can square up where soldiers once dug in and fought. That said, it's not going to hold younger children's attention for long, and the view isn't particularly striking. It works best combined with other local walks or heritage stops in the region. Go if you're into Civil War history and have time to spare. Skip it if you're hoping for something more visually impressive.